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Have you ever found yourself playing NetherRealm's Injustice: Gods Among Us and thought, "You know, I like Superman and all, but what if he was actually John Cena?" Alternatively, perhaps you've looked at Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and wondered, "What if this guy were an actual, literal rock-man?" Well, you might want to check your brain for transmitting devices, because NetherRealm and Phosphor Games have made your thoughts reality with WWE Immortals, which is now available on iOS and Android devices.

Revealed just last month, WWE Immortals transforms various WWE superstars into warriors, mages, ninjas, knights and monsters, then pits them in touch-based battles with each other. The game is free to play and features support cards to bolster your fighting rosters' power. There's also a story about a magical lamp and alternate dimensions, but really, this is a game about men and women who get paid to fake-punch each other being transformed into mythical warriors. Plot is not going to be its strong suit.

Dying Light is scheduled for an outbreak on January 27 in North America, but it could take a bit longer than that to make contact with physical copies of Techland's zombie survival game in other regions. A post to the game's official Facebook page notes that a "short delay" in the distribution of Dying Light's disc-based copies will be suffered in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.

"As physical production has a longer lead time than digital there is some delay in the aforementioned territories," the update reads. "We will share information on the availability of physical copies as soon as it is confirmed." The post also states that Dying Light will see a "global digital release" on January 27, but Steam stores in multipleregions still list a launch date of January 30.

If you both prefer physical copies of games and optimism, this means you've got more time to stock supplies and outline truces with fellow survivors. Be mindful of your picks though, lest a member of Team Not Dying switch sides and take a bite out of you in Dying Light's player-vs-player mode.

Update: This post has been updated to note the January 30 release dates listed on Steam.

He's a stoic monk in a murderous hat and she's the buxom princess of a demonic alternate reality, but there's one thing they can both agree on: That four-armed guy at the end of this trailer is a real jerk for crashing their unveiling.

Instead of simply cobbling together a Lego version of the comic book character - a thinly-veiled Robin Hood/Batman hybrid - Warner Bros. Interactive cast Stephen Amell, the actor who plays Green Arrow in the surprisingly good CW series Arrow. The developers then modeled the Lego character after Amell, who provided the voice work. As you can see in the trailer beyond the break, Amell seems very comfortable as a virtual character, which shouldn't be too surprising, given that he also played the role as a Green Arrow DLC skin in Injustice: Gods Among Us.

The Arrow DLC for Lego Batman 3 is currently available on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 and will be available on January 14 for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC. It bears a $3 price tag, but is included (along with four other DLC packs) in the game's $15 season pass.

If your survival instinct is lacking, Dying Light's zombie mode may be more your speed. The game's lone PvP mode allows one player-controlled zombie to terrorize a group of co-op players with all manner of horrific sounds and grotesque tendrils, as evidenced by a trailer showcasing the mode released late last week.

Dying Light's zombie mode is available as a pre-order incentive for the game, which launches for Xbox One, PS4 and PC on January 27. Although it was originally scheduled to release on the Xbox 360 and PS3 as well, developer Techland has since cancelledDying Light for both last-generation consoles.

According to TestYourMight's translation, the Tempest form focuses on whirling spin attacks, while Buzz Saw utilizes Lao's razor-lined hat. Hat Trick sounds similar in that it focuses on the Mortal Kombat series' most deadly fashion accessory, but also allows players to send out and call back the hat at will, making it a trickster/trapper-oriented fighting style.

It should also be noted that, what with MKX taking place well after the events of 2011's Mortal Kombat, our monk friend has definitely aged a bit, and is no longer the spry youth you see above. Unfortunately, creator Ed Boon is being more than coy about giving us an extended look at his aged mug. When asked if Kung Lao would get a proper trailer, Boon tweeted a picture of an old sprite pasted onto a moving wagon. Get it? 'Cause it's a trailer.

Well, there's only one answer to this problem. We'll just have to ... *ahem* FINNISH HIM.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kung-laomicrosoftmortal-kombatmortal-kombat-xNetherrealm-Studiospcplaystationps4Warner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivexbox-oneSun, 04 Jan 2015 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/mortal-kombat-x-and-the-beauty-of-gore/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/mortal-kombat-x-and-the-beauty-of-gore/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/mortal-kombat-x-and-the-beauty-of-gore/#comments
In a demo video for the next installment of Mortal Kombat, series staple Scorpion is moments from being decimated by the fatality of D'Vorah - an insect-like woman joining the roster. In her final move, she summons a swarm of flesh eating bugs.

They eat two holes into Scorpion before setting on his head. The flesh disappears quickly - his skin eaten away first, inner flesh and then the muscle closest to the bone. In the end, all that remains is his skull and his jawbone hangs off to the left, like a door on a rusty hinge. Adding insult to fatal injury, Scorpion's skull rolls away and D'Vorah crushes it with the heel of her boot.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmortal-kombat-xNetherrealm-Studiospcplaystationps3ps4recommendedWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivexboxxbox-oneWed, 31 Dec 2014 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/shadow-of-mordor-rings-in-lord-of-the-hunt-dlc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/shadow-of-mordor-rings-in-lord-of-the-hunt-dlc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/shadow-of-mordor-rings-in-lord-of-the-hunt-dlc-today/#commentsMiddle-earth: Shadow of Mordor today welcomes into its fellowship the "Lord of the Hunt," Warner Bros. informs Joystiq. The DLC will be available to purchase on its own for $10, or you can acquire it through the $25 you-shall-not season pass. Lord of the Hunt is already available on Xbox One, and should hit PS4 and PC in North America later today.

As previously detailed, the DLC offers new story content courtesy of Dwarven Hunter Torvin, as well a bunch of extras. There are Uruk Beastmaster Warchiefs to fight, new beast-hunting challenges to take on, an Ultimate Beastmaster skin for Talion, five new epic runes for mounts, and more. But, most importantly of all, you get a toxin-puking Wretched Graug to mount and make your friends sick with jealousy. Or sick with something, at least.

Hunt down the DLC's rather bloody, perhaps NSFW launch trailer below the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCmicrosoftmiddle-earth-shadow-of-mordorMonolith-Productionspcplaystationps4release-datewarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIExbox-oneTue, 16 Dec 2014 09:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/watch-the-batmobile-burn-robbers-in-arkham-knight-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/watch-the-batmobile-burn-robbers-in-arkham-knight-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/watch-the-batmobile-burn-robbers-in-arkham-knight-trailer/#comments
Okay, they're technically criminals and aren't necessarily robbers, but we do have a pun quota to meet. Anyway, the second part of Batman: Arkham Knight's triforce of trailers profiles the Batmobile in Battle Mode, as the caped crusader gives the Ace Chemicals plant a good tanking. Check out the video below the break.

If you want to watch the third voyage into Arkham Knight'schemical plant zone, it's due to debut at this weekend's PlayStation Experience event. As for the game proper, the final entry in Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy is coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC on June 2, 2015.

Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham City has an easter egg that even "The World's Greatest Detective" (AKA: Batman) might have struggled to find, players have discovered. A recent YouTube video from the channel "Batman Arkham Videos" (embedded above) has revealed a secret message in Arkham City that not only went undiscovered for three years, but required developer intervention to discover.

Turns out, if you set your Xbox 360, PS3 or PC's clock to December 13, 2004 - the day Sefton Hill and Jamie Walker founded Rocksteady - you'll trigger a unique monologue from Calendar Man. After talking about how he's been there "from the beginning," the date-obsessed villain warns that "the end of days is coming."

If you think this story sounds familiar, that's because it also took a nudge from Rocksteady to reveal an easter egg hidden in Batman: Arkham Asylum. In that case, the secret was a room stuffed full of references and teases to Arkham City. The uploader of this new video likewise theorizes that Calendar Man's cryptic message is a reference to the upcoming Batman: Arkham Knight.

You know, if a development team can slip these hidden bits of information past the Dark Knight and his followers so routinely, we have to wonder if Rocksteady might secretly be run by supervillains.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citybatman-arkham-knightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rocksteadyWarner-Bros-InteractivexboxSat, 22 Nov 2014 16:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/warner-bros-working-on-new-mortal-kombat-live-action-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/warner-bros-working-on-new-mortal-kombat-live-action-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/warner-bros-working-on-new-mortal-kombat-live-action-series/#comments
To coincide with the 2015 launch of Mortal Kombat X, the Warner Bros. media empire is planning a new live-action series based on NetherRealm's bloody fighter.

A joint production from publisher Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Warner Bros.' new digital series production arm Blue Ribbon Content, the untitled series will reportedly "[showcase] some of the franchise's most storied characters, while introducing a new generation of fighters." At least, that's the official description. It does little to tell us who are what might appear in this series, though the mention of a "new generation" suggests that the show will mirror the latter-day setting of Mortal Kombat X.

There's no word on when we can expect this series to launch, where it might launch, or if any notable actors are involved. It does not appear that this new series has any ties to 2011's Mortal Kombat: Legacy, though that's to be expected given creator and director Kevin Tancharoen's departure.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mortal-kombat-xWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWed, 22 Oct 2014 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/conan-obrien-daffy-duck-and-more-join-lego-batman-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/conan-obrien-daffy-duck-and-more-join-lego-batman-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/conan-obrien-daffy-duck-and-more-join-lego-batman-3/#comments
Late night TV host Conan O'Brien will be a playable character in the upcoming LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, according to a New York Comic-Con panel for the game. Ironically, the man who calls himself a "clueless gamer" will also act as a sort of guide for players, showing them around a game he may not really know much about himself.

Warner Bros. and Traveller's Tales also introduced several other characters and alternate costumes, including Solar Suit Superman, Darkest Knight, Man-Bat and, from Batman: The Animated Series, the Condiment King. But a guy shooting ketchup and mustard at people can't compare to playable character The Green Loontern, which is what happens when Duck Dodgers (played by Daffy Duck) puts on a Green Lantern outfit.

And you thought it was kinda weird when Kevin Smith showed up to help save the world.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conan-obriendaffy-duckdc-comicslego-batmanlego-batman-3lego-batman-3-beyond-gothamnyccTravellers-TalesWarner-Bros-InteractiveSun, 12 Oct 2014 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/04/lego-batman-3-recruits-comic-book-man-kevin-smith/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/04/lego-batman-3-recruits-comic-book-man-kevin-smith/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/04/lego-batman-3-recruits-comic-book-man-kevin-smith/#comments
Famous geek Kevin Smith won't have time to be chasing Amy - or any Jersey girl, really - because next month the man also known as Silent Bob will strike back at Brainiac and other DC Comics villains as he fights to save Earth in LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham.

Okay, we're done with the Smith-directed movie puns now. But it's true, Clerks fans: Smith will be featured in the upcoming game from Traveller's Tales and Warner Bros. Interactive. What's more, he'll be playing the role of himself as a nod to his influence in the comic book industry and nerd culture.

Smith won't be the only person to see themselves in virtual LEGO form though: writer, comic store co-owner and DC Comics CCO Geoff Johns will also appear in the game as himself, fighting off the villains his company pits against its plethora of heroes on a monthly basis.

Smith and Johns, as well as Troy Baker and Stephen Amell (Arrow) will join the game's developers for a LEGO Batman 3 panel at New York Comic-Con next weekend.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsiosipadlego-batman-3-beyond-gothammacmicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4travellers-talestt-gamesvitawarner-brosWarner-Bros-Interactivewii-uxboxxbox-oneSat, 04 Oct 2014 15:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/26/lego-batman-3-goes-beyond-gotham-on-november-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/26/lego-batman-3-goes-beyond-gotham-on-november-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/26/lego-batman-3-goes-beyond-gotham-on-november-11/#comments
No longer content with striking fear into the hearts of superstitious criminals in the back alleys of his hometown, Batman is branching out to more exotic climes in Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham.

According to publisher Warner Bros. Interactive, the Dark Knight's latest blocky adventure sees our hero battling Superman villain Brainiac to prevent the destruction of Earth. It seems the hyper-intelligent alien has swiped a handful of Lantern rings and is using their power to shrink worlds for his creepy collection of tiny civilizations. Batman must join forces with the "greatest super heroes and the most cunning villains" to travel through the cosmos, collecting Lantern rings and eventually using their Oan might to topple Brainiac's plot.

Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham will debut on November 11. As with all DC Comics/Lego mashups, the game will appear on myriad platforms, including the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PS3, Vita, Wii U, 3DS and PC.

Forget Gotham, it's the world at stake in LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham. Brainiac is collecting planets, and it's up to Batman and other DC heroes (and even some villains) to stop him. While stealing planets isn't cool, at least Brainiac got those pants he wanted.

Though it's unknown how many PlayStation Legion Missions are included with the pre-order, Monolith Productions community manager Andy Salisbury offers more information on what Tolkienian beasts you'll be stalking. "In these exclusive missions, you'll go head-to-head with the deadly Blood Hunters, and the fearsome Flesh Burners, two of the most savage Warbands in all of Mordor (and two groups of hunters determined to personally bring your head to Sauron)," Salisbury wrote in a recent PlayStation.blog entry.

According to Salisbury, the Blood Hunters are a pack of assassins sent to kill protagonist Talion. Kill them and you'll walk away with the Stinging Blade Rune. The Flesh Burners, by contrast, are a group of "elite archers" who employ crossbows loaded with burning bolts. Snip their bowstrings with extreme prejudice and you'll earn the Black Arrow Rune.

All of these PlayStation exclusives are in addition to the base pre-order bonuses which include the "Test of Power" challenge mode and an additional, darker skin for Talion. Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor launches on September 30.

Talion may be the poster child advertising Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, but he's not the only one seeking vengeance against the Dark Lord Sauron and his army of nasty creatures. In this behind-the-scenes video, meet Celebrimbor: an elven smith who helped create the Rings of Power and has since been cursed to exist as a wraith in eternal un-death.

Yeesh, no wonder he seems like a bit of a grumpy-pants.

Celebrimbor is played by Alastair Duncan, opposite Troy Baker as Talion. The two characters may have the same agenda, but they don't always agree about how to do it. To learn more about their ripe-for-sitcom-adaptation relationship - seriously, we can hear it in our heads already: "Taliooooooon!" *cue laugh track* - check out the new behind-the-scenes video above.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alastair-duncanbehind-the-sceneslord-of-the-ringsmicrosoftmiddle-earth-shadow-of-mordorMonolithpcplaystationps3ps4shadow-of-mordortroy-bakerWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivexboxxbox-oneSun, 10 Aug 2014 22:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/16/holy-cameo-batman-adam-west-as-himself-in-lego-batman-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/16/holy-cameo-batman-adam-west-as-himself-in-lego-batman-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/16/holy-cameo-batman-adam-west-as-himself-in-lego-batman-3/#comments
The official Lego Batman Twitter accounted posted the above image this week, while the San Diego Comic Con Lego Batman 3 panel features one Adam West as a special guest star. Furthermore, the Lego Batman account retweeted this mysterious message from the user @warhev: "Adam West plays himself in Lego Batman 3?! Day one purchase, lol!"

But what could this riddle mean...? Lego Batman 3... if you take the L away from Lego, you get ego... or "I." I Batman 3... or, maybe... I'm Batman No. 3. The third Batman... would be Adam West. Ergo, Adam West must play himself in Lego Batman 3! Quick, to the Joymobile!

Mortal Kombat series creator Ed Boon had a special treat for fans at this year's EVO event; the return of Raiden in Mortal Kombat X. According to an interview between Boon and IGN, the infamous thunder god will be screaming gibberish at his opponents in three distinct styles, tentatively being called "Displacer," "Storm Lord" and "Thunder God" respectively.

Displacer style will focus heavily on teleportation, while Thunder God will empower Raiden's electrocution moveset. Storm Lord will help players control large portions of the stage, as it allows Raiden to set lightning ball traps which hang in the air and form a stream of lightning once two of them have been placed.

You can see Raiden in action by checking out the trailer above, where he and Kotal Khan stare each other down before Raiden offers up this gem of a burn: "Thunder blots out the sun." Which isn't ... uh ... correct. Well, no one ever said he was the smartest god.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-revealmicrosoftmortal-kombatmortal-kombat-xNetherrealm-Studiospcplaystationps3ps4raidenWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivexboxxbox-oneSun, 13 Jul 2014 11:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/golden-freebies-gotham-city-impostors-today-guacamelee-tomorro/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/golden-freebies-gotham-city-impostors-today-guacamelee-tomorro/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/golden-freebies-gotham-city-impostors-today-guacamelee-tomorro/#comments
If you like the idea of wearing ridiculously extravagant costumes whilst beating up people, but don't have the money, lack of moral code or WWE career to support it, we're here for you with a friendly reminder: As part of Microsoft's Games with Gold service, Gotham City Impostors is free right now for Xbox Live Gold users. So go get already.

The Xbox 360 multiplayer shooter is joined tomorrow by wrestle-former Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition on Xbox One, and between those two you'll get enough masks, spandex and wacky violence to sustain you right through to winter.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drinkbox-studiosgames-with-goldgotham-city-impostorsguacameleeguacamelee-super-turbo-championship-editionMonolith-Productionsrelease-dateWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivexbox-livexbox-live-goldTue, 01 Jul 2014 09:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/28/batman-arkham-origins-complete-edition-listed-by-amazon-germa/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/28/batman-arkham-origins-complete-edition-listed-by-amazon-germa/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/28/batman-arkham-origins-complete-edition-listed-by-amazon-germa/#comments
You don't have to be the "World's Greatest Detective" to follow this trail: Amazon Germany has posted a listing for Batman: Arkham Origins "Complete Edition," a package which will supposedly combine Arkham Originsand all of its DLC into one box.

The move, if accurate, isn't exactly unexpected; both Arkham Asylumand Arkham Cityreceived similar treatments when they re-released as Game of the Year editions. The Complete Edition - which has not been officially announced by Warner Bros. - is listed as coming to PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 on August 21.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-arkham-originsbatman-arkham-origins-complete-editionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sonywarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractivexboxSat, 28 Jun 2014 16:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/microsoft-store-lists-batman-arkham-knight-for-feb-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/microsoft-store-lists-batman-arkham-knight-for-feb-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/microsoft-store-lists-batman-arkham-knight-for-feb-2015/#commentsBatman: Arkham Knight rises on February 24, 2015, at least so says the Microsoft Store. While the release date remains officially unconfirmed, the MS Store's offering does lie on a Tuesday, the day of the week games are released typically in North America.

NeoGAF spotted the Xbox One listing over the weekend, but when asked, Warner Bros. told Eurogamer the game "is due for release in 2015."

An early 2015 arrival for Rocksteady's new-gen Arkham looks likely. Speaking to Groovey.tv earlier this month, Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy - who has some previous experience with spilling the bat-beans early - said Arkham Knight is due "next January." Conroy also noted it was originally supposed to come out in January 2014. As you're probably aware, Arkham Knight was scheduled for this year before WB pushed it back three weeks ago.

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Alright, this has to violate ... we don't know, at least 12 different health, fire safety and traffic laws. No wonder the villains in Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Knight are so angry with Gotham's Dark Knight: he's totally inconsiderate of where he parks his car! Sorry Bats, but we're gonna have to write you a ticket for, let's say $1,000.

We know that's a lot, but hopefully it'll teach you a lesson: you either park your car in an approved space or live long enough to see yourself handed a parking violation.

Mortal Kombat series creator Ed Boon has been teasingsomething over the past few weeks, counting down days via images posted to his Twitter account. That countdown is set to end tomorrow, so we should know more soon.

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Warner Bros. revealed it's pushed back the Wii U version of Lego: The Hobbit until April 22 in North America, despite releasing the game on other platforms this week. According to a press release sent to Joystiq, Warner Bros UK is releasing the Wii U version alongside other platforms on April 11, while Vooks reports a May 7 due date for Nintendo's home console, in contrast to April 16 on other systems.

As for Lego: The Hobbit itself, the game chronicles the first two films of the trilogy based on Tolkein's beloved book. Reportedly, dev Traveler's Tales is bringing There and Back Again to the game as DLC, with plans to release it when the third film hits cinemas in December.

While Wii U owners have to wait a little longer, if you fancy a halfling with the latest Lego game you can get it now on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3, Vita, 3DS and PC.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delaydelayslego-the-hobbitnintendorelease-dateTravellers-TalesWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBwb-gamesWBIEwii-uWed, 09 Apr 2014 07:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/07/batman-arkham-origins-blackgate-escapes-onto-europes-eshop-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/07/batman-arkham-origins-blackgate-escapes-onto-europes-eshop-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/07/batman-arkham-origins-blackgate-escapes-onto-europes-eshop-thi/#comments
A quick update for European Wii U owners and vigilantes-to-be: the Deluxe Edition of Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgateis coming to the eShop on April 10, priced 20 euros/£16. WB Games quietly delayed it last week, but the good news is we're not looking at a repeat of the Scribblenauts Unlimited fiasco.

The enhanced version of last year's portable platformer is already out on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC - and on Wii U in North America. Bats returning to the 2.5D belfry will encounter improved visuals a new map system, along with new enemy encounters and difficulties.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Armature-Studiobatman-arkham-origins-blackgateeShopnintendorelease-dateWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivewb-gamesWBIEwii-uMon, 07 Apr 2014 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/29/ea-looks-to-wbs-batman-arkham-success-with-star-wars-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/29/ea-looks-to-wbs-batman-arkham-success-with-star-wars-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/29/ea-looks-to-wbs-batman-arkham-success-with-star-wars-games/#comments
In a recent interview with Fortune, Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson discussed his vision for the company, as well as the challenges he's faced, since taking over in September of last year. While most of the interview was a CEO issuing statements meant to assure his company's audience that they're focused on making great games, Wilson also noted the success of other publishers.

When discussing the company's recent licensing deal with Disney to produce Star Wars games, Wilson pointed to Warner Bros. Interactive's Arkham series as an example of how to do licensed properties right: "What Warner Bros. did with Batman was take the core roots of that IP and manifest that inside the walls of Gotham City and delivered an interactive experience that had real ties to what you would see in the films and what you had read in the comics, while having its own life because it could provide such deep and more immersive storylines," Wilson said.

"When we look at the Star Wars properties, that's how we're looking at it. We're not trying to build a game that replicates the storyline of any particular film."

Wilson also left the door open regarding what business model future EA games would follow. Comparing the mobile and home game markets, Wilson said, "I don't think ... that all of us are suddenly going to stop playing games on our 60-inch TVs because that's great gaming, and that's great entertainment. How you get that game there, I think that's anyone's guess."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-wilsonbatmandisneyeaelectronic-artsstar-warswarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractiveSat, 29 Mar 2014 13:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/27/latest-batman-arkham-knight-screens-show-the-dark-knights-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/27/latest-batman-arkham-knight-screens-show-the-dark-knights-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/27/latest-batman-arkham-knight-screens-show-the-dark-knights-new/#comments
Batman and Commissioner Gordon were recently on display in these totally-not-brooding screens for Batman: Arkham Knight. One of the characters showcased in the screens is Rocksteady's new arch-villain, appropriately dubbed "Arkham Knight." The PS4, Xbox One and PC game will arrive later this year.

Up to now, options have been limited for those that want nothing more than to control lanes while also making Superman punch people in the face. With Infinite Crisis, Turbine Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive have finally created an ideal way to satiate those particularly hungry fans of MOBAs and DC Comics. Infinite Crisis won't officially open for business until later this year, but Turbine has opened the doors on a beta version of the game this month and it's joining Joystiq Streams to show it off.

Ryan Bendar, lead game designer on Infinite Crisis, will square off against Joystiq's Sam Prell in the beta on Joystiq Streams today at 4PM EST on the Joystiq Twitch channel. Our champions will be testing the balance of heroes like Aquaman against villains like Harley Quinn in maps based on famous DC locales like Gotham and Coast City. Anthony John Agnello will be feeding your questions to the players alongside Adam Mersky, Turbine's Executive Director of Digital Communications.

Again, you can catch all the Infinite Crisis beta action on the Joystiq Twitch channel at 4PM EST, the very same time Joystiq Streams broadcasts every Tuesday and Thursday.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infinite-crisisjoystiq-streamspcturbineWarner-Bros-InteractiveTue, 18 Mar 2014 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/lollipop-chainsaw-cleaves-through-one-million-sales-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/lollipop-chainsaw-cleaves-through-one-million-sales-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/lollipop-chainsaw-cleaves-through-one-million-sales-worldwide/#commentsLollipop Chainsaw, a game where cheerleader Twilight SparkleBubblesTimmy Turner Juliet Starling (or all of the above, since they're all voiced by the same person) slices and dices undead hordes with her trusty chainsaw, has surpassed one million sales worldwide. Developer Grasshopper Manufacture announced the news Friday on Twitter.

It's an accomplishment that took more than a year and a half, but developer Suda 51 and his team at Grasshopper Manufacture seem more focused on the positive; they're celebrating with deep discounts on the game's digital version in Japan. Everything's sunshine, lollipops and rainbows here!

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grasshopper-manufacturelollipop-chainsawmicrosoftplaystationps3salessuda-51Warner-Bros-InteractivexboxSun, 09 Mar 2014 19:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/dcs-infinite-crisis-begins-battle-in-beta-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/dcs-infinite-crisis-begins-battle-in-beta-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/dcs-infinite-crisis-begins-battle-in-beta-this-march/#commentsInfinite Crisis, developer Turbine's take on the multiplayer online battle arena genre featuring heroes and villains from the DC Universe, will launch its open beta on March 14. Turbine announced the upcoming PC title's open beta start date at an event yesterday, alongside reveals of three new characters: Green Arrow, Aquaman and Mecha Superman.

Infinite Crisis is a free-to-play MOBA game, a genre that has exploded in the last few years with titles such as Riot's League of Legends and Valve's Dota 2.

In the last ten to eleven months of development, Infinite Crisis content has drastically increased in size, Executive Producer Jeffrey Steefel claims. "We now have three maps, three modes, a huge amount of different ways you can play the game. Twenty-seven characters and, in fact, we are adding a new character every three weeks." Steefel also outlined a plan to launch new costumes for existing characters every week.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infinite-crisispcTurbineTurbine-EntertainmentTurbine-IncWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEThu, 27 Feb 2014 09:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/lego-the-hobbit-shares-in-an-adventure-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/lego-the-hobbit-shares-in-an-adventure-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/lego-the-hobbit-shares-in-an-adventure-this-april/#commentsLego: The Hobbit and its merry band of plastic dwarves are coming to North America on April 8, and Europe on April 11. A Warner Bros. representative confirmed the release dates to Joystiq today, so fans will have a TT Games tie-in of the first two Hobbit films to tide them over before There and Back Again hits bigger screens in December.

The news follows the reveal of a $270 500GB super slim PS3 bundle for the game, but if you'd prefer to join Bilbo and pals on other systems, you're more than in luck. Lego: The Hobbit is also on the way to Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, Vita, Wii U, 3DS, Windows PC and Mac.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseuropelego-the-hobbitmacmicrosoftnintendonorth-americapcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4release-dateTT-GamesvitaWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwb-gamesWBIEwii-uxboxxbox-oneWed, 26 Feb 2014 08:05:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/11/batman-arkham-origins-blackgate-appears-on-xbox-games-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/11/batman-arkham-origins-blackgate-appears-on-xbox-games-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/11/batman-arkham-origins-blackgate-appears-on-xbox-games-store/#commentsBatman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is lurking in the shadows of the Xbox Games Store, a month after it was caught sneaking around Steam. The Armature Studio-developed 2.5D platformer came to 3DS and Vita alongside the main Origins game, and now it's listed to hit Xbox 360 in an HD "Deluxe Edition," with the release date noted as March 25.

Let's work what this means by channeling the spirit of Adam West. Hmm,... Steam. Take the "s" out of Steam and you get "Team." Teams... soccer teams... soccer teams get the ball into the penalty box to score a goal. Box! And as we all know, X marks the spot. X... Box. Xbox!

The clues all point to a multiplatform arrival in the near future, although we're still waiting on official word from Warner Bros. on any of this. Quick, to the Announcement-mobile!

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Armature-Studiobatman-arkham-origins-blackgatemicrosoftWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBWBIEXBLMxboxxbox-games-storeTue, 11 Feb 2014 04:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/09/the-lego-movie-videogame-now-in-toy-sto-no-theatr-no-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/09/the-lego-movie-videogame-now-in-toy-sto-no-theatr-no-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/09/the-lego-movie-videogame-now-in-toy-sto-no-theatr-no-game/#commentsThe Lego Movie Videogame, the toy-turned-film-turned-game adaptation from developer Traveller's Tales, is now available, and the kids in the above trailer couldn't be more thrilled; they're getting literally blown away. Okay, so maybe they're getting a gentle breeze in their face. Still. The game about a movie about a toy is available on just about every console: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Wii U, Xbox 360, PS3, Vita and 3DS.

You may have noticed that the release date given in the trailer is February 14, which has not yet come to pass. That's because February 14 is the date for the game's European territory release. Or at least, that's what they want you to think. Notice how the controllers being held by the children in the trailer don't match any platform that the game is available on? We can only assume these people are time travelers. That or wizards. Yeah, wizards makes more sense.

The Lego Movie Videogame: out now in North America and February 14 in Europe, played by child-sorcerers.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dslego-moviemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4the-lego-movie-videogameTravelers-TalesvitaWarner-Bros-Interactivewii-uxboxxbox-oneSun, 09 Feb 2014 20:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/09/batman-arkham-origins-team-prioritizing-dlc-over-bug-fixes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/09/batman-arkham-origins-team-prioritizing-dlc-over-bug-fixes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/09/batman-arkham-origins-team-prioritizing-dlc-over-bug-fixes/#comments
The Batman: Arkham Originssupport page is full of frustrated players after community manager "Mercury" wrote that the Origins development team would be focused on completing story DLC instead of fixing the game's numerous, game-breaking bugs.

"The team is currently working hard on the upcoming story DLC and there currently are no plans for releasing another patch to address the issues that have been reported on the forums," Mercury wrote. "If we do move forward with creating a new patch, it will try to address the progression blocking bugs for players, not the minor glitches that do not prevent one from continuing to play. The issues that are not progression blockers will unfortunately no longer be addressed."

Unfortunately, it's not the first bad news for bat-fans: those who purchased Arkham Origins on Wii U recently had the story DLC for the game canceled.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-arkham-originsbugsdlcmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Warner-Bros-Interactivewarner-bros-montrealxboxSun, 09 Feb 2014 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/31/batman-arkham-origins-story-campaign-dlc-canceled-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/31/batman-arkham-origins-story-campaign-dlc-canceled-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/31/batman-arkham-origins-story-campaign-dlc-canceled-on-wii-u/#comments
Wii U owners won't be getting the upcoming Arkham Origins story campaign DLC, after Warner Bros. made the decision to cancel it due to a lack of demand. WB confirmed the news in a statement given to VG247, after GoNintendo published a supposed Nintendo of America email spilling the bat-beans.

The Nintendo system and the latest Batman haven't been a dynamic duo, starting with WB not bringing multiplayer to the Wii U version for similarly quantitative reasons. WB's belated call to not give the Wii U further single-player content is curious, especially since there's other DLC from the game on the eShop, such as skins and challenge packs.

The one ray of good in today's news is that, going by the email published by GoNintendo, Nintendo of America is issuing a full refund to those who bought the season pass, despite some of the DLC it covers already being out. Whether that decision is WB's or Nintendo's, it is at least the right one.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-originscanceledcancellationDLCnintendowarner-brosWarner-Bros-Interactivewarner-bros-montrealWBWBIEwii-uFri, 31 Jan 2014 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/16/lego-the-hobbit-trailer-is-looking-to-share-in-an-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/16/lego-the-hobbit-trailer-is-looking-to-share-in-an-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/16/lego-the-hobbit-trailer-is-looking-to-share-in-an-adventure/#comments
Coming just after the second Hobbit film hit cinemas, this trailer reminds us how very much we've seen of the Lego and Lord of the Rings properties in recent years. Then we see the bit with the washing machine and the pig, and we're ready for a bit more.

Lego: The Hobbitis based on the first two films in Peter Jackson's trilogy of adaptations, and it ventures onto a teeming fellowship of systems in spring 2014, including the Xbox One, PS4, Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360, Dreamcast*, Vita, 3DS, PC, Mac, and Atari Lynx*.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4TT-GamesvitaWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBWBIEwii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 16 Dec 2013 12:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/lego-the-hobbit-confirmed-sets-off-for-lots-of-systems-this-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/lego-the-hobbit-confirmed-sets-off-for-lots-of-systems-this-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/lego-the-hobbit-confirmed-sets-off-for-lots-of-systems-this-sp/#comments
Warner Bros. has officially announced the Lego: The Hobbit video game, after promotional material leaked last week. It's based on the first two movies in Peter Jackson's adaptive trilogy, and it's due in spring 2014 on Xbox One, PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Vita, 3DS, PC and (pause for breath) Mac.

Lego: The Hobbit looks to follow developer TT Games' much-tried-and-tested formula, with players guiding the film's myriad of characters, large and hobbit-sized, as they solve puzzles and explore some of the "key locations from the films," including Bag End, the Misty Mountains, Hobbiton, Goblin-town, Mirkwood, and Rivdendell. And since he stars in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, we get to say that Lego-las will probably feature too.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dslego-the-hobbitmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4release-dateTT-Gamesvitawarner+brothersWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBWBIEwii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 25 Nov 2013 09:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/15/lego-marvel-super-heroes-to-make-xbox-one-launch-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/15/lego-marvel-super-heroes-to-make-xbox-one-launch-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/15/lego-marvel-super-heroes-to-make-xbox-one-launch-in-us/#comments
TheLego Marvel Super Heroes assemble alongside the Xbox One next week in the US after all, while in Europe they're due a week later on November 29. Warner Bros. told Game Informer the Xbox One version of TT Games' hero-stuffed platformer will hit US retail shelves on November 22. When approached, a Warner Bros. UK representative confirmed the information with Joystiq.

Just like its variety of super-people - WB says there are more than 100 playable characters - Lego Marvel Super Heroes is available on an assortment of other platforms, starting today. You can pick it up alongside a super fresh PS4, or on PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, 3DS, and Vita.

Though it's still expected to appear reasonably soon, publisher Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is currently unable or unwilling to offer a new release date for the game. "We will provide a release date for Lego Marvel Super Heroes on Xbox One as soon as possible," the company told MCV, after confirming that it would not be ready in time for the Xbox One launch.

The key question now is whether this delay is global or if it only affects the UK, where MCV is located. We've attempted to contact Warner Bros. Interactive for clarification on when North American gamers can expect to see Lego Marvel Super Heroes on Microsoft's next console, but have so far received no response.